If we were to look at the number of visitors to the Tatra National Park during one day, according to the August 16, 2023 census, 27,216 people visited this nature reserve on foot or by bicycle. Most of them went to Hrebienok, which confirmed the first position from last year. Popradské Pleso is the all-time runner-up.

Štrbské Pleso is traditionally one of the most visited venues of the High Tatras. During this particular day of the census in August, the chairlift took 1,499 passengers from Štrbské Pleso to Solisko, and another 197 tourists went up on their own.

This mountain lake is also the starting point for several high-altitude hikes – to Rysy, Popradské pleso, Mlynická Valley, Mengusovská Valley, the Skok waterfall, but also Kôprovský Peak or Kriváň. It is also the only lake in the Tatras where you can go for a boat ride in the summer and enjoy the natural scenery from the water. In the summer, the outlines of the surrounding trees and Tatra peaks are reflected on the surface, which is magical. The pond is frozen in winter so you can walk on it; even in 2010, they played horse polo here.

Štrbské pleso also has its little brother

However, few people know that Štrbské pleso has a smaller version in the woods next to the more famous lake. The new Štrbské Pleso was built as an artificial dam and was supposed to be part of a luxury hotel complex. Nowadays, it is a regular lake, even 10 meters deep in certain spots. The high density of peat characterizes it, and it needs to be cleaned regularly. Nevertheless, various types of fish call this lake their home.

New Štrbské pleso does not have much in common with its bigger brother, but it offers the same views of the surrounding scenery of the Tatra mountains. You can reach it by following a trail through the forest from the tram station between Hotel Ovruč and Lake Resort or by getting off the main access road. You can also enjoy the views of this lake and the Tatras panorama directly from the Lake Resort hotel; the biggest bonus is its location, right on the shore of New Štrbské Pleso and just two minutes from the railway station, two minutes from the ski bus stop in winter. You get a relaxing, fantastic lake view from the room or the hotel terrace.

 

This article was created in cooperation with the tourist portal Cezhory.sk

Author: Viera Legerská